Tuesday, 19 August 2008
10:00pm

Most people wouldn't consider being an artist to be a demanding job. Think again! The 13 artists at the busy Gasworks Arts Park Studios in Albert Park, Melbourne, are committed to making a career out of their art.

To do so they must get commissions, produce work, exhibit work, sell work, keep up with the achievements of their fellow studio mates and keep the art world interested in their work.

Filmed over six weeks, Artists at Work: Gasworks follows five artists from the sculpture, ceramics and visual arts studios working to tight deadlines both on and off site - either fulfilling commissions or creating works for upcoming gallery shows. The incessant production and industry of the studios mean that artists frequently have to deal with noisy power tools, dust and chemical fumes not to mention the constant comings and goings of fellow artists and open studio visitors. The pressure is on. But on the other hand there is also the opportunity to share camaraderie, knowledge and experience.

Through the creative endeavours of sculptors John Meade and Matthew Harding, ceramicist Kris Coad, landscape painter Ted Powell and abstract artist Tricia Sabey, the program offers a rare glimpse into the busy life of the studio.

Harding observes, "An arts career can be hard work. You've got to get up every day and re-invent yourself. You can't just clock on and clock off…there's an enormous amount of discipline and making a living out of it is really tough."

These are not a group of tortured souls sitting in a garret waiting for the muse to strike, but a dedicated group of professionals with a surprising range of skills.

Artscape: Artists At Work: Gasworks will be repeated on ABC2 - Sunday, August 24 at 7:00pm